Kentucky Makeup Artist School and Requirements

You can become a makeup artist in Kentucky with a makeup artistry specialty permit or cosmetology or esthetics license. However, getting a permit rather than a license only allows you to do specific things and work in particular places. So, knowing what path you want to take is essential.

Learn about getting your makeup artistry specialty permit in Kentucky, what you can do, where you can work with one, and how much money you might earn. Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Kentucky, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Makeup Artist in Kentucky

If going for a license isn't your thing, you can get a specialty permit to be a makeup artist in Kentucky with some training and document submission. As a makeup artist with a permit, you may put cosmetics on clients' faces and bodies for corrective or camouflaging purposes. This includes airbrushing.

Anyone with a Kentucky specialty registration—including makeup artists, threaders, and eyelash extension professionals—must take a three-hour infection control course from Milady. In addition to submitting proof of completing that course, you must give the state board the following:

• A copy of your GED, high school diploma, or transcripts,
• A copy of your driver's license,
• A 2x2 passport photo,
• Proof of employment at a board-recognized salon or spa,
• Documentation regarding any felony convictions,
• A $50 permit fee.

To do eyelash extensions in addition to makeup, you must also submit a lash training certificate.

Once your specialty permit is approved, you can begin work at a salon, spa, or other KBC-approved facility.

After your initial permit, you must renew your permit by July 31^st every year. This also comes with a $50 renewal fee.

You need a cosmetology or esthetician license to go beyond applying cosmetics or being self-employed. Kentucky cosmetologists can perform hair and nail treatments in addition to makeup, while estheticians focus on skincare in general.

Kentucky cosmetology programs last for 1,500 hours. They primarily focus on hair, though they also spend time on makeup and nails. Meanwhile, the state's esthetician programs are skincare-forward and run for 750 hours.

READ MORE: Learn About Cosmetology School in Kentucky

READ MORE: Learn About Esthetician School in Kentucky

Makeup Artist Salary in Kentucky

ZipRecruiter found that, as of November 2023, most Kentucky makeup artists earn between $13.70 and $20.58 per hour. The site primarily uses job listings to determine its estimates, so the number and type of locations they pull from may be limited.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said cosmetologists in Kentucky earned an average of $13.67 per hour in 2022, while the state's estheticians averaged $17.03 per hour. Unlike ZipRecruiter, the BLS relies on businesses self-reporting their employees' salaries, so this data has pros and cons as well.

Location, type of workplace, and years of experience can all affect how much you can earn as a Kentucky makeup artist. The best way to get a more solid grasp is to speak with makeup artists in your area, at your preferred type of workplace, about their earnings.

Contact the Kentucky State Board of Makeup Artistry